Busquets - Pitch was problem

Sergio Busquets has blamed the pitch in Gdansk for Spain's below-par performance in their opening game against Italy.

Last Updated: 12/06/12 6:09pm

Sergio Busquets: Spain midfielder bemoaned poor Gdansk pitch

Sergio Busquets has blamed the pitch in Gdansk for Spain's below-par performance in their opening game against Italy.

The midfielder maintains that the playing surface was too dry and the grass too long for Vicente del Bosque's side to produce their usual passing style in the 1-1 draw.

He was further angered by the fact that Italy refused to allow the pitch to be watered before the game at the Gdansk Arena - something he believes UEFA should investigate.

He said: "The state of the pitch really penalised us.

"It's true both teams play on the same pitch, with the same ball - but the state of the pitch can penalise one more than another.

"It's up to UEFA to take a stand on this. I think they should intervene for the sake of a spectacle so there are more goals and less injuries

"It was really a handicap for a team whose game is based on passing the ball around."

It was reported that Spain had lodged an official complaint with UEFA and demanded the quality of the surface is improved for their next outing in Gdansk against Croatia on Monday, but the governing body have said they are unaware of any protest.